Tuning your battens correctly makes the sail look and perform better. The battens are literally the ribs of the sail and they support the aerodynamic profile. When the battens are loose the foil profile is flatter and softer, regrading the performance of the sail.Tuning your battens only takes a quick minute, and is very simple.
The following advice is applicable to all Sailworks sails.
The battens are tensioned using the hex-key tool found under the Velcro tab above the tack handle. Insert the hex-key into the cap screw at the leech end of each batten.
Turn the hex-key to the right (clockwise) to tighten. You should see a smooth reflection, with no wrinkles alongside the battens. Batten tension should be tightest on the lower battens and feathered to just snug on the upper battens.
If you are looking for a more locked in and directional feel to your sail you can tighten the battens slightly more.
If you are looking for easier rotation and a more maneuverable sail you can tighten the battens slightly less, but not to the point that small vertical wrinkles appear.
Over tightening the battens, especially the foot batten, will lead to poor rotation.
Replace the hex-key tool back in its pocket above the tack handle. On a new sail the batten tension will need to be re-tightened after the initial one or two uses as the sail stretches and sets into its final shape. Once the batten tension is set, it’s not necessary to release batten tension after each session.
With regular use we suggest checking your batten tension a couple times per season.
